Maternity coverage is vital to group health insurance, especially as more employees seek comprehensive benefits that address their health needs at every stage of life. With increasing awareness about the importance of maternity care, including prenatal, delivery, and postnatal services, employers are recognising the value of offering health insurance with maternity cover as part of their employee benefits package. This coverage not only enhances employee satisfaction but also demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to supporting the health and well-being of its workforce.
In this article, we will explore the importance of the maternity option in group health insurance policies, its benefits for employers and employees and why modern businesses must include it in their benefits offerings.
What is Maternity Covered in Health Insurance?
Maternity plans in health insurance include maternity-related medical expenses as part of the health insurance policy. It covers the costs associated with childbirth, including hospitalisation, delivery (both normal and caesarean), prenatal care, and postnatal care. Some policies also extend to neonatal care and post-birth services for the mother and newborn. This cover includes components like:
Hospitalisation costs: Coverage for the medical expenses incurred during the hospital stay for childbirth.
Pre- and Postnatal Care: Includes doctor visits, scans, and tests before and after the birth.
Complications During Delivery: Covers treatment costs for any complications that arise during pregnancy or childbirth.
Newborn Care: Some policies extend coverage to the newborn’s health checkups and treatments immediately after birth.
Including maternity plans in group health plans helps provide comprehensive care for employees planning for a family or expecting a child, ensuring they can access the care they need without incurring high medical costs.
Why is Maternity Cover Important for Employees?
Adding this cover in group insurance brings several significant benefits to employees, particularly those planning to start a family or who are already pregnant. Providing this coverage shows that employers care about the health and well-being of their employees at a crucial life stage.
Reducing Financial Burden
Childbirth and maternity care can incur significant expenses, especially if complications arise during delivery. Health insurance with maternity cover helps alleviate this financial burden, covering medical costs and giving employees peace of mind that their healthcare needs will be met without depleting their savings. Depending on the type of delivery (normal or caesarean), hospitalisation and delivery costs can be substantial. Maternity offer ensures that employees are not financially strained during this critical time. The costs associated with postnatal care, such as follow-up visits, medicines, and treatments for the mother and newborn, are often covered under maternity benefits.
Promoting Work-Life Balance
For employees planning to have children, knowing that maternity expenses are covered under their group health plan can make a significant difference in managing the work-life balance. Maternity leave can be a challenging transition for employees, but with this cover, they can rest assured that their medical needs are taken care of.
Many businesses offer paid maternity leave in addition to this cover, which allows employees to balance their career and family life without worrying about lost income. Employees are more likely to stay with companies that provide this comprehensive coverage, as it demonstrates their commitment to employee welfare and a positive work environment.
Encouraging Employee Retention
Offering maternity plans as part of group insurance can improve employee retention rates. Employees who feel supported and valued are likelier to stay with their employer, reducing turnover costs and increasing overall satisfaction. Providing essential benefits such as maternity care shows employees that their employer genuinely invests in their well-being. Employees who feel secure in their healthcare coverage will likely be more satisfied with their jobs, leading to a more motivated and engaged workforce.
Why Employers Should Consider Including Maternity Option in Group Health Insurance
For employers, offering health insurance with this coverage benefits employees and contributes positively to the company's overall growth and reputation. In today’s competitive job market, offering comprehensive employee benefits is essential for attracting and retaining top talent.
Attracting Top Talent
In India and worldwide, employees are increasingly seeking jobs that offer robust health benefits. Maternity option is a key component, as many employees value health coverage that supports their family needs. Companies offering maternity benefits are more likely to attract skilled professionals seeking a supportive workplace, especially those planning families. This coverage and other healthcare benefits contribute to a well-rounded benefits package that makes the employer stand out as an employer of choice.
Complying with Legal Regulations
While maternity benefits are mandated by law in India for certain employees, offering this cover as part of group insurance can go beyond compliance and ensure employees are well taken care of.
Maternity Benefit Act, 1961: Under this Act, female employees are entitled to a minimum of 26 weeks of paid maternity leave. Employers provide additional financial support by offering maternity plans through health insurance, easing the transition for expecting mothers.
Legal Compliance and Beyond: Offering maternity insurance alongside other benefits can help companies go beyond legal compliance and foster a more caring and supportive work environment.
Reducing Absenteeism and Improving Productivity
Employees with access to quality healthcare through maternity insurance are more likely to recover quicker and return to work sooner, reducing absenteeism. With peace of mind about their healthcare needs, employees can focus on their work and return to their responsibilities with renewed energy. Maternity insurance ensures that employees receive the care they need during the critical stages of pregnancy and childbirth, leading to quicker recovery and fewer sick leaves. Employees who don’t have to worry about maternity-related expenses are more likely to stay engaged and focused on their work, which translates to better productivity.
Conclusion
Offering maternity insurance as part of group insurance is a valuable investment that benefits employees and employers. By easing the financial burden on employees during a critical life stage, employers can foster greater job satisfaction, improve retention, and attract top talent. This coverage also promotes employees' overall well-being, enabling them to balance their work and family responsibilities more effectively.
By including Niva Bupa’s maternity plan as part of your group health plan, you provide a thoughtful benefit beyond meeting legal requirements, it showcases your organisation’s dedication to the health and happiness of your workforce. With Niva Bupa’s tailored solutions, you can build a supportive environment that values your employees and strengthens their loyalty to your company.
